A CULINARY & CULTURAL ADVENTURE
MIXING THE NORTHERN THAILAND & BANGKOK’S LIFESTYLE

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Introduction to the flavours of the Thai cuisine

In recent years, the Thai cuisine has become one of the world's favorite that takes its roots into old culinary traditions, in the royal courts and palaces of Old Siam, that have now been passed down through many generations of chefs and arrives on tables worldwide.

Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. Originally, its natural diet cuisine reflected the characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle, using aquatic plants, fish and seafood, organic vegetables and fresh fruits. Herbs and spices take a great part of the Thai cuisine, providing incomparable flavours and therapeutic benefits. If you like meat, you will enjoy how it’s cooked here, cutted slim for a religious reason but always tender and delicious. A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments or a spicy salad, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. Everything’s served in the same time as people can choose what they prefer, and for eating we just use a spoon and fork. Each meal is a harmony of tastes and textures.

In this very refined country, the dishes are first a pleasure for the eyes. That’s why the presentation is so important, colored and decorated with carved fruits or vegetables. A true art!

Lifestyle Vacations couldn’t forget Thailand in presenting the international culinary destinations ! For the Fall 2006, we launch exclusive and customized itineraries that explore the old culinary traditions and the millenium culture.
Our programs feature the best cooking schools and culinary institutes in Bangkok, in Nonthaburi (15 miles from the capital) and in Chiang Mai, a peace of haven surrounded by hills and moutains, on the road to the golden triangle.
Luxe and traditions are always the key words of the accomodation we choose.

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SAMPLE ITINERARY

> DAY 1 : CHIANG MAI
Welcome by our guide at the Chiang Mai airport. Private transfer to the Dhara Devi Mandarin Oriental*****L. VIP welcome. Dinner and night.

> DAY 2 : CHIANG MAI
Visit of the Chiang Mai market before reaching the Oriental culinary institute for your first hands-on cooking class, followed by a tasting lunch. In the afternoon, you will share the secrets of the fruit & vegetable carving. Dinner and night at the Dhara Devi Mandarin Oriental

> DAY 3 : CHIANG MAI
Second cooking lesson and lunch. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a shopping at Samkampaeng Village, before returning to the Oriental, relax and then assist to the Kantoke Thai Dance classical show with dinner. Night at Dhara Devi Mandarin Oriental.

> DAY 4 : CHIANG MAI
Third cooking lesson and lunch. In the afternoon, sightseeing VIP tour of Chiang Maï City and Doï Suthep Temple. Dinner and night at Dhara Devi Mandarin Oriental.

> DAY 5 : CHIANG MAI- MAE HONG SORN - CHIANG MAI – BANGKOK (Full-day excursion)
After your breakfast, you will take the earliest flight to Mae Hong Sorn. Arrive at Mae Hong Sorn, transfer to the pier for enjoying a cruise along the Pai River to visit the "Padong LongneckTribe". Return to Mae Hong Sorn for your lunch break. The afternoon is a cultural excursion with the visit of beautiful Myanmese style temples of Wat Jongkam, Wat Jongklang, Wat Doi Kong Moo and Wat Hao Wieng. Transfer to Mae Hong Sorn Airport for taking a flight to Bangkok, via Chiang Mai. Private transfer to your hotel the fantastic five-star luxe Mandarin Oriental overlooking the legendary Chao Phraya River. Dinner and night at the hotel.

> DAY 6 : BANGKOK
Morning cooking class at the Oriental Culinary Institute that you will reach from the hotel by a private traditional wooden boat. The class is followed by a tasting lunch. In the afternoon you will discover Bangkok and its surburbs by crusing on the Chao Phraya River and klongs (canals), occasion to discover the family homes and temples built over the river. On the way, you will visit the Wat Arun better known as the Temple of the Dawn that features a massive elongated prang (Khmer-style tower) surrounded by four smaller prangs. On cruising, you will be suprised by the colors and the light that give to the city a so special ambiance. Return to your hotel for relaxing. Then your driver will pick-up you for dining at the Blue Elephant, the most " chic " restaurant of Bangkok.

> DAY 7 : BANGKOK
This morning is a cultural Vip tour of Bangkok. Unpossible to be here without visiting the Grand Place Complex highlighted by the amazing Temple of The Emerald Buddha called the “Wat Phra Keow”. Nearby is the Grand Palace, once the official home of the Kings of Siam-built in traditional Thai architecture mixed with European designs. You will also visit The Royal Funeral Hall and The Royal Coronation Hall. This Palace has an area of 218,400 sq.meters and is surrounded by walls built in 1783. Then you will take your lunch in a traditional and restaurant.
You will spend your afternoon at your leisure, making maybe some shopping with the recommendations of your guide…
Dinner and night at the Oriental.

> DAY 8 : BANGKOK
Early transfer to the Bangkok International airport.

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PRICES PER PERSON

$3,995.00 (based on double occupancy)

Our price includes : 7 nights accomodation in 5* stars hotels, 4 hands-on cooking lessons, all meals, VIP transportation, tour programs as mentioned in the itinerary, the services of a private English speaking guide, entrance tickets.
Not included : international airfare from/to the USA, the Bangkok airport tax (500 THB), beverages, personal expenses, tips and all which is not mentioned in “our price includes”.

Rates are subject to change based on currency exchange. Call for updated rates.

TOUR DATES

This program is available throughout the year, but due to the monsoon season, most recommended from October to April.

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